As you may be aware, the President has declared a State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 virus. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is stating that older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are at a higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. For these individuals, the CDC is stating that they should keep space between themselves and others, avoid crowds, and stay home as much as possible, to reduce your risk of being exposed.
CDC, Medicare/Whitehouse guidelines include:
If you feel sick, stay home. If children are sick, keep entire household at home. Avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people. Avoid eating/drinking at bars and restaurants. Use drive-thru options. DO NOT visit nursing homes, retirement homes, or hospitals. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Avoid touching your face. Sneeze or cough into a tissue or inside of your elbow. I
n addition, Medicare’s website is stating that Medicare beneficiaries should follow the guidelines of federal, state, and local authorities which include staying home and away from other people if you are an older person or have serious underlying health conditions that put you at increased risk (heart, lung, and immune system disorders). They are also stating to avoid discretionary travel and social visits and avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places (elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, etc.).
Since our organization works almost entirely with older persons – many with serious health conditions, we feel that it is in our client’s best interests to transition workshops to online webinars. We will continue to meet folks in the office or online as we have in the past, until such time that the government changes their recommendations.